His defence is only good when he can be bothered.

In many games over the last few seasons he's looked like he couldn't give two hoots about his performance.

Last night showed it up further because they attacked his side regularly in the first half.

But no doubt he'll be in the HDM again before next season telling us how hard he has trained and how everyone has to stand up and be counted. etc etc

Tickle's form this season has been the same as the last few seasons.

I've been saying for a few years how his tackling is awful and he drops far too many simple passes.

Not a new thing.

Nope. Up until this season he's been one of our better and more consistent forwards. Been terrible since returning from injury though. Think he's leaving at the right time.

I disagree.

He's been crap for seasons now.

Lazy in defence. Always has been.

Tickle has always been bang average and a penalty machine. His kicking got him in the side

Not up until this season. That's why he managed to force his way into an admittedly weak England set up.
This season has been dire.

He has.

Anyone who knows me knows i have been saying it for years now.

Far too many weak attempts at tackling.

You're welcome to do so. The stats don't back you up, however.

Cudjoe didn't "make" Yeaman look average.

Yeaman's complete lack of commitment and application made Yeaman look average, nothing more than that.

Yeaman being average at best made Yeaman look average. Just thrown into sharp relief last night.

Possibly a contributing factor but the contrast offered up by him playing opposite a big, powerful, skilful and fast opponent only exacerbated the weaknesses that are all the more prevalent these days.

Last night Yeaman was lazy in defence, he was at fault a number of times by simply not being in position

Agreed - but it's tough when you're outclassed and your opponent pulls you around for fun.

I really want to see Rich Whiting starting games next season. How many times has he been MOM or near to it this season starting from the bench? His utility value seems to dictate that he starts on the bench but that has to change. Now that Tickle has gone Whiting should be the automatic first choice alongside Ellis.

I also think one of our fundamental problems, as others have said, is our PTB speed. When coming away from our own line it is just so laboured. It's not good enough our forwards making decent yards if the last two are a slow drag with a clumsy play the ball; the opposition defence is set. We need to get over the advantage line, get to ground, up and then play it. Hopefully Paea and Feka will give us a bit of this.

The players should also be deducted wages for the drop off ball back inside. It has only worked for us when the recipient was Willie Manu. At least with Tickle gone we might not see the drop off / knock on combination that has become our trade mark attack of the last few weeks.

So basically he's not good enough. Not his fault but he's not good enough.